Group Level Research Articles

Testosterone with Silymarin Improves Diabetes-obesity Comorbidity Complications by Modulating Inflammatory Responses and CYP7A1/ACC Gene Expressions in Rats.

The co-morbidity of DMOB has become increasingly problematic among the world's population because of a high-calorie diet and sedentary lifestyle. DMOB is associated with lower testosterone (TN) levels, the male sex hormone. The phytochemical compound silymarin (SN) exerts antidiabetic activity by modifying β-cells and anti-obesity activity by inhibiting adipogenesis by methylxanthine. The goal of this study was to find out how well testosterone (TN) with silymarin (SN) protects against oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver of the experimental rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity (DMOB). The present study evaluates the efficacy of TN and SN combination (TNSN) on the levels of the potential parameters, such as body mass, serum marker enzymes, fasting glucose levels, HbA1c levels, lipid profile, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, proinflammatory cytokines, gene expression pathways, and histopathology in a DMOB comorbidity rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks with an administration of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) i.p. injection (30 mg/kg) on the 9th week of the study. The procedure was to develop the DMOB co-morbidity model in the experimental animals. Co-treatment of TN and SN administration were followed throughout the experiment. Rats were sacrificed after overnight fasting to collect serum and liver tissue samples. Samples were analyzed using a clinical chemistry automated analyzer, spectrophotometry, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) methods and protocols. Analyses of body mass changes, serum marker enzymes, fasting glucose levels, HbA1c levels, lipid profiles, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, TNF-α, IL-6, adiponectin, CYP7A1, ACC expression pathways, and histopathology showed significant abnormal levels (P ≤ 0.05) in the pathological group. These were efficiently treated to normal by the administration of TNSN. These results concluded that TNSN exerted protective efficacy against the liver abnormalities in the co-morbidity of the DMOB rat model.

Anti-diarrheal effects of ethanol leaf extract of Eleusine Indica in Castor Oil induced diarrhea using mice model

Ancient civilizations employed medicinal herbs to treat ailments. Medicinal herbs are essential for treating chronic disorders. Different medicinal plants can treat comparable ailments, depending on the country. In many rural communities in developing countries, particularly in Africa, therapeutic medicines and remedies derived from indigenous plants are almost invariably the only readily available and cost-effective alternatives to traditional diarrhea medicines. The study aims to evaluate the anti-diarrheal activity of the Eleusine indica ethanol extract in mice. The study used fresh Eleusine indica leaves. The extracts were administered at concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 28 days. On the 29th, the rats were induced with diarrhea, and blood samples were collected through the retro-orbital plexus before being sacrificed. The serum from the collected blood was used to run hematological and electrolyte tests. The liver and kidney function tests were analyzed using standard methods. The determination of antidiarrheal activity was done using the following models: Castor oil (CO) induced diarrhea, CO induced enteropooling activity, and CO induced gastrointestinal motility. The 80% ethanol extract produced significant (p<0.001) antidiarrheal activity in all three models tested. The hematological, renal, hepatic, and electrolyte parameters of extract-treated mice were not significantly (p > 0.05) different from those of the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in the chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate levels of the extract-treated groups when compared to the control group. The findings of the studies demonstrated the antidiarrheal activities of Eleusine indica leaves, which could be a therapeutic option against diarrhea.

Therapeutic effects of Buzhong Yiqi decoction in patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency after routine surgery and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the spleen and stomach are the basis of acquired nature and the source of qi and blood biochemistry. After surgery and chemotherapy, patients with colorectal cancer often develop spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome, leading to decreased immune function. Buzhong Yiqi decoction, a classic TCM prescription, has the effect of tonifying middle-jiao and invigorating qi, boosting Yang, and suppressing immune-related inflammation. Moreover, it is widely used in the treatment of spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome. AIM To investigate the effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction on spleen and stomach qi deficiency in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS One hundred patients with colorectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and laparoscopy at The First TCM Hospital of Changde from January 2022 to October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided equally into control and observation groups. Both groups underwent conventional rehabilitation surgery, and the observation group was supplemented with Buzhong Yiqi decoction. SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analyses. The χ 2 test was used for univariate analysis; independent sample t -tests were used in all cases. RESULTS No significant differences were observed preoperatively in the general characteristics of the two groups. Fourteen days post-surgery, the abdominal distension, emaciation, loose stool, loss of appetite, and vomiting scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Immune function and interleukin (IL)-10 levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group, whereas IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein levels, tumor biological indexes, and adverse reactions in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). One month after surgery, the patients’ quality of life in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the patients in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Buzhong Yiqi decoction can regulate inflammatory responses and metabolic processes by enhancing immune function, thereby promoting overall immune nutrition and restoring the body’s balance.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus cholangioscopy for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND Currently, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the main treatment for cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis. However, the treatment is unsatisfactory, and the development of better therapies is needed. AIM To determine the clinical efficacy of LC plus cholangioscopy for cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis. METHODS Patients (n = 243) with cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis admitted to The Affiliated Haixia Hospital of Huaqiao University (910th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force) between January 2019 and December 2023 were included in the study; 111 patients (control group) underwent ERCP + LC and 132 patients (observation group) underwent LC + laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Surgical success rates, residual stone rates, complications (pancreatitis, hyperamylasemia, biliary tract infection, and bile leakage), surgical indicators [intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and operation time (OT)], recovery indices (postoperative exhaust/defecation time and hospital stay), and serum inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were compared. RESULTS No significant differences in surgical success rates and residual stone rates were detected between the observation and control groups. However, the complication rate, IBL, OT, postoperative exhaust/defecation time, and hospital stays were significantly reduced in the observation group compared with the control group. Furthermore, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 Levels after treatment were reduced in the observation group compared with the levels in the control group. CONCLUSION These results indicate that LC + LCBDE is safer than ERCP + LC for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis. The surgical risks and postoperative complications were lower in the observation group compared with the control group. Thus, patients may recover quickly with less inflammation after LCBDE.

How does customer satisfaction change after hotels start using self-service kiosks?

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated Self-service Kiosk (SSK) use in hotels, altering the composition of service packages and affecting customers' overall perception of service quality. However, SSKs' impact on customer satisfaction (CS) with the overall services remains uncertain. This study examines the impact of SSK use on CS and its underlying mechanisms using a large dataset at both the customer-hotel level for a large hotel group while comparing the impact before and amid the pandemic. Findings suggest that the adoption of SSKs has a positive impact on CS in which perceived utilitarian and hedonic values play a mediating role, and membership level plays a moderating role. Comparative analysis also indicated that SSKs had additional positive customer feedback amid the pandemic. These findings provide new understanding regarding the practical application value of SSK and help guide hotel management decisions regarding SSK implementation.

Efficacy of Colchicine and Melatonin in the treatment of rat endometriosis model: an animal study

ObjectiveThis study investigates the therapeutic effects of colchicine and melatonin on endometriotic implants in an experimentally created endometriosis model in rats. Study DesignForty-four adult female Wistar albino rats weighing between 260 and 300 grams, 8 weeks old, were selected for the study. The unilateral uterine horn of rats with a bicornuate uterus was excised for 1cm, washed with sterile saline, incised longitudinally, and the endometrium was exposed. A 0.5*0.5cm endometrial tissue sample taken with a scalpel was implanted with suturing (4/0 Vicryl) to the abdominal wall. Forty-four rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was randomized as the endometriosis group (control), Group 2 as endometriosis + colchicine treatment, Group 3 as endometriosis + melatonin treatment, and Group 4 as the endometriosis + melatonin + colchicine treatment group. The colchicine (Sigma Chemical Co., St Louis, Missouri) group was administered orally at a dose of 0.1mg/kg, and the Melatonin group orally at a dose of melatonin (20mg/kg per day). Treatment continued daily for 30 days. ResultsIn the post-treatment focal diameter measurements, the endometrial focal diameter in the colchicine and colchicine + melatonin group was significantly lower than the control group (p=0.026). Bcl-2 levels of the colchicine group were lower than the control group and the melatonin group (p=0.021). ConclusionColchicine and melatonin reduce adhesion to the peritoneal surface in ectopic endometrial cells. It also acts by increasing apoptosis and decreasing cell survival.

Bufalin: a promising therapeutic drug against the cisplatin-resistance of ovarian cancer by targeting the USP36/c-Myc axis

Cisplatin (DPP) resistance is a severe obstacle to ovarian cancer (OC) treatment. Our research aims to uncover the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of Bufalin against DDP resistance. The cell viability, proliferation capacity, γH2AX expression, and apoptosis ratio were quantified via CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry analysis respectively. Xenografting experiment was performed to detect the tumor growth. Molecular docking was applied to mimic the combination of Bufalin and USP36 protein, and Western blotting was conducted to measure the Bax, Bcl-2, γH2AX, USP36, and c-Myc expression. The c-Myc ubiquitination and half-life were detected via ubiquitination assay and cycloheximide chasing assay. Bufalin treatment notably suppressed the cell viability and colony numbers, and increased the apoptosis ratio and γH2AX level in the DDP treatment group. Bufalin therapy also notably inhibited tumor growth, Bax, Bcl-2, and γH2AX expression in vivo. Moreover, the Bufalin application remarkedly reduced the c-Myc expression and half-life and increased the c-Myc ubiquitination via interaction and subsequent down-regulation of USP36. Knockdown of USP36 reversed the antiproliferative effect and proapoptotic capacity of Bufalin therapy in the DDP treatment group. In conclusion, Bufalin can overcome the DDP resistance in vitro and in vivo via the USP36/c-Myc axis, which innovatively suggests the therapeutic potential of Bufalin against DDP resistance ovarian cancer.

Effects of extracurricular activities and academic helplessness on smartphone addiction: a multi-level analysis of a South Korean sample

This study investigated the protective and risk factors of smartphone addiction at the individual and group levels using multi-level modelling, with a particular focus on extracurricular activities and academic helplessness. Data from the Korea Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) were used in the analyses. These data included 2,590 middle-school students (1,405 males and 1,185 females, 8th-grade students) nested in 17 cities. The findings revealed that individual-level variables, including lack of control belief and lack of active performance, were significant predictors of smartphone addiction. Furthermore, extracurricular activities contributed to decreased levels of smartphone addiction at both group and regional levels. The effects of individual-level variables on smartphone addiction differed depending on the rational-level variables. Based on these findings, educational implications and suggestions for future studies are discussed.

Interplay of miRNAs and molecular pathways in spaceflight-induced depression: Insights from a rat model using simulated complex space environment.

Depression is a significant concern among astronauts, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying spaceflight-induced depression remain poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential regulators of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, but their specific role in space-induced depression remains unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the involvement of candidate miRNAs (miR-455-3p, miR-206-3p, miR-132-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-124-3p, and miR-145-3p) and their interaction with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the neurobiology of spaceflight-induced depressive behavior. Using a simulated space environmental model (SCSE) for 21 days, depressive behavior was induced in rats, and candidate miRNA expressions and DEGs in the cortex region were analyzed through qRT-PCR and HPLC, respectively. Results showed that SCSE-exposed rats exhibited depressive behaviors, including anhedonia, increased immobility, and anxiousness compared to controls. Further analysis revealed increased hydrogen peroxide levels and decreased superoxide dismutase levels in the SCSE group, indicating abnormal oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, miRNA analysis demonstrated significant upregulation of miR-455-3p, miR-206-3p, miR-132-3p, and miR-16-5p expression. Among the DEGs identified, the in silico analysis highlighted their involvement in crucial pathways such as glutamatergic signaling, GABA synaptic pathway, and calcium signaling, implicating their role in spaceflight-induced depression. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified hub genes, including DLG4, DLG3, GRIN1, GRIN2B, GRIN2A, SYNGAP1, DLGAP1, GRIK2, and GRIN3A, impacting neuronal dysfunction functions in the cortex region of SCSE depressive rats. DLG4 emerged as a core gene regulated by miR-455-3p and miR-206-3p. Overall, this study underscores the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for mood disorders and neurological abnormalities associated with spaceflight, advancing health sciences, and space health care.

Impact of Delayed Cord Clamping on Neonatal Hemoglobin Levels in Term Infants: An Observational Study in Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is associated with improved iron stores and neurodevelopment in infants. This study investigates the impact of DCC on neonatal hemoglobin levels in term infants within Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia. An observational study was conducted on term infants born at two hospitals in Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia. One hospital routinely practiced immediate cord clamping (ICC, within 30 seconds), while the other practiced DCC (3 minutes after birth). Hemoglobin levels were measured within 24 hours of birth. A total of 200 infants (100 ICC, 100 DCC) were enrolled. The mean hemoglobin level in the DCC group was significantly higher than in the ICC group (17.5 g/dL vs. 16.2 g/dL, p < 0.001). Fewer infants in the DCC group required iron supplementation within the first six months (10% vs. 25%, p = 0.01). In conclusion, DCC is associated with higher hemoglobin levels in term infants in Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia. This practice may reduce the need for iron supplementation and improve early infant health outcomes.

Kiss1 kisspeptin of bony fish and mammalian kisspeptin analogs enhance the communicative behavior of <i>Danio rerio</i> induced by social isolation

BACKGROUND: Rodents are often used as a social isolation model. This study investigated the effects of social isolation on Danio rerio. These animals form groups and social hierarchies and exhibit complex social interactions similar to rodents. The expression of some brain genes of fish reared in isolation was found to be different from individuals reared in a group. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of kisspeptins on the social behavior of Danio rerio in social isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fish were placed in 200-mL measuring cups for 48 h. After the social isolation period, bony fish kisspeptins and mammalian kisspeptin analogs were administered, and their effects were tested. The animal was placed in 1-L individual tanks for 15 min and then in the tank with a glass partition, behind which are a group of congeners. Fish were allowed to approach or swim away from the partition. Two patterns were used to assess behavior: latency time and number of swims to the partition. RESULTS: Compared with the control group with fish kept in social isolation, reliable differences were observed: The number of swims to the partition after isolation was 1.3 times higher than that in the control group (p 0.05). After the administration of bony fish kisspeptins Kiss1 and Kiss2, no significant changes in the number of swims to the partition were observed. Moreover, after the administration of KS6 and KS10, the number of swims to the aquarium partition increased 1.6 times (p 0.01) and 1.8 times (p 0.001), respectively. After the administration of the comparison drug oxytocin, the number of swims to the aquarium partition increased 1.6 times (p 0.01) compared with that in the untreated isolated group. The latency time of swimming to the partition increased 2.4 times in the untreated isolated group compared with the control group (p 0.001). Latency time decreased 2.3 times in the group administered with oxytocin compared with the untreated isolated group (p 0.001). In the group administered with Kiss1, the latency time decreased 2 times (p 0.001) compared with that in the untreated isolated group. The latency time decreased 5 times (p 0.001) after KS10 administration and 3.4 times (p 0.001) after KS6 administration compared with that in the untreated isolated group. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, social isolation in Danio rerio reduces communicative behavior. Analogs of mammalian kisspeptin, such as Kiss1, of bony fish and oxytocin normalize the communicative behavior of fish after a period of social isolation to the level of the control group.

Evaluation of the follicular fluid thiol/disulfide balance among patients with poor ovarian response.

This study aimed to compare the thiol/disulfide balance, myeloperoxidase, and ischemia-modified albumin levels in the follicular fluid (FF) of poor ovarian response (POR) and normal ovarian response (NOR) women who received intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The study was performed between March 2021 and April 2022 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ankara City Hospital. The study included 27 POR and 35 NOR women who underwent ICSI. FF was obtained after the controlled ovarian stimulation cycle. The FF thiol/disulfide balance was detected using spectrophotometric methods. A correlation analysis was conducted to determine whether these oxidative stress markers could contribute to predicting oocyte quality. Disulfide levels were significantly higher in the NOR group than in the POR group (p=0.014). The number of fertilized egg (2PN) oocytes was positively correlated with the total thiol level (r=0.258, p=0.046). The disulfide level was positively correlated with the anti-Müllerian hormone level (r=0.262, p=0.039) and the total number of retrieved oocytes (r=0.335, p=0.008). The disulfide levels differed significantly between the NOR and POR groups. The statistically significant differences of fewer metaphase II oocytes and lower percentage of good-quality embryos in the NOR group compared to the POR group might have resulted from the NOR group's elevated disulfide levels. The total thiol levels correlated with the total of 2PN oocytes. Future studies should examine the thiol/disulfide balance at assisted reproductive technology centers to predict which oocytes could be fertilized.

The effect of physical activity on glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterised by insulin deficiency. Due to perceived physical activity (PA)-related hypoglycaemia, a minority of people with T1DM exercise regularly. However, the relationship between T1DM and PA remains poorly understood. Our aim was to summarise the existing literature on the effects of PA on short-term glucose control (glycated haemoglobin or time in range) in people with T1DM. We searched seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Cinahl, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and Web Of Science) and two sources of the grey literature (ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP). All reviews were screened via title/abstract and full text by two independent reviewers (LE and HT), conflicts were solved by a third independent reviewer (DDC). We excluded animal studies, case reports, non-English articles, qualitative studies, conference abstracts and articles without full-text access. A meta-analysis using random effects model was performed to study the effect of PA on haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in people with T1DM. We obtained 19,201 unique references across nine different electronic databases. After screening and snowballing, 68 articles were found investigating the effect of PA on glycaemic control in people with T1DM. Overall, HbA1c levels in the PA group (mean difference = 0.29% (0.20%-0.39%)), were lower compared with the control group. An overall small beneficial effect of PA on glycaemic control in people with T1DM was found. Caution is advised when interpreting the results of this meta-analysis, given variations in study type, duration, frequency and intensity of physical activity across included studies.

Effects of external neuromuscular electrical stimulation in women with urgency urinary incontinence: a randomized sham-controlled study

Background and PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the effects of external neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on urinary symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS), quality of life (QoL), sexual function, perception of subjective improvement (PSI), and satisfaction in urgency urinary incontinence (UUI).Materials and MethodsThe randomized sham-controlled study design was employed in this study. Women aged 18–65 years, who were diagnosed with UUI, were randomly allocated into the NMES (external NMES + lifestyle advice, n = 15) and sham groups (sham NMES + lifestyle advice, n = 15). Both groups performed the application for 30 min, three days a week for eight weeks. Urinary symptoms were evaluated by using the International Incontinence Consultation Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a 3-day bladder diary. PFMS was assessed using the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS), QoL using the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and sexual function using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12). The PSI and satisfaction were questioned.ResultsThere was a higher level of decrease in the ICIQ-SF score, the mean number of voids/night and UI, all scores related to the KHQ (excluding interpersonal relationships), and a higher level of increase in maximum voiding volume, MOS scores, PISQ-12-emotional, PISQ-12-physical, and PISQ-12-total scores in the NMES group when compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). PSI and satisfaction were at higher levels in the NMES group than in the sham group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsExternal NMES was an effective and complementary method in reducing urinary symptoms and improving PFMS, QoL, sexual function, PSI, and satisfaction level in women with UUI.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT04727983.

Does The Serum Zinc Level Affect the Quality of Life in Dialysis Patients? A Report from Iran

Background: Zinc deficiency is a common finding among ESRD and dialysis patients and may affect their quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the serum level of zinc and its correlation with the quality-of-life score in dialysis patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 on dialysis patients. Patients’ information and clinical data, their serum zinc levels, and quality of life assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire were collected. The Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation between serum zinc levels and the Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summary scores of the SF-36 questionnaire in general and in different subgroups. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: In the HD group, PCS and MCS scores were significantly correlated (P = 0.0001), while this correlation was not observed in the PD group. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between zinc levels and PCS and MCS scores in the HD group but not in the PD group (P = 0.0001). In the PD group, only age negatively correlated with the PCS score (P = 0.03), without any other significant correlations with other study variables. Multivariate analysis revealed that zinc level was an independent predictor of PCS and MCS scores in the HD group (P &lt; 0.001). In the PD group, age (P = 0.02) and zinc level (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of PCS score but not MCS score. Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between serum zinc levels and both the physical and mental aspects of quality of life in dialysis patients.

Prediction model of malnutrition in hospitalized patients with acute stroke

ABSTRACT Objective The prognosis of stroke patients is greatly threatened by malnutrition. However, there is no model to predict the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized stroke patients. This study developed a predictive model for identifying high-risk malnutrition in stroke patients. Methods Stroke patients from two tertiary hospitals were selected as the objects. Binary logistic regression was used to build the model. The model’s performance was evaluated using various metrics including the receiver operating characteristic curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, clinical decision curve, and risk stratification. Results A total of 319 stroke patients were included in the study. Among them, 27% experienced malnutrition while in the hospital. The prediction model included all independent variables, including dysphagia, pneumonia, enteral nutrition, Barthel Index, upper arm circumference, and calf circumference (all p < 0.05). The AUC area in the modeling group was 0.885, while in the verification group, it was 0.797. The prediction model produces greater net clinical benefit when the risk threshold probability is between 0% and 80%, as revealed by the clinical decision curve. All p values of the Hosmer test were > 0.05. The optimal cutoff value for the model was 0.269, with a sensitivity of 0.849 and a specificity of 0.804. After risk stratification, the MRS scores and malnutrition incidences increased significantly with escalating risk levels (p < 0.05) in both modeling and validation groups. Conclusions This study developed a prediction model for malnutrition in stroke patients. It has been proven that the model has good differentiation and calibration.

Commentary: Core Descriptor Sets Using Consensus Methods Support 'Table One' Consistency.

Inconsistent reporting of patient characteristics in clinical research hampers reproducibility and limits analysis opportunities. This paper proposes condition-specific ‘Core Descriptor Sets’(CDSs) comprising key factors like demographics, disease severity, comorbidities, and prognosis to standardise Table 1 reporting. Development entails stakeholder involvement, systematic identification of descriptors, value rating, and consensus-building using multiple Delphi rounds. Final agreement comes at an expert meeting. Benefits include easier cross-study comparison for example through individual patient meta-analysis, facilitated by comparison of consistently reported individual data rather than group level analysis. This may also support routine data analyses, subgroup and risk identification, and reduced research waste. CDSs describe cohorts thoroughly while minimising research burden. They are intended to enable improved clinical characterisation, personalisation, reproducibility, data sharing and knowledge building.

Comparable to 17α- methyl testosterone, dietary supplements of Tribulus terrestris and Mucuna pruriens promote the development of mono-sex, all-male tilapia fry, growth, survival rate and sex-related genes (Amh, Sox9, Foxl2, Dmrt1)

To evaluate Tribulus terrestris and Mucuna pruriens for inducing all-male tilapia, mixed-sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, (mean weight 0.025 ± 0.009 g; mean length 1.25 ± 0.012 cm), were given a meal supplemented with either T. terrestris powder (commercial fish feed, 40% crude protein) (TT group), M. pruriens seed extract (MP group), MP + TT (mixed group), 17α-methyl testosterone (MT, control positive), or without supplements (control negative). The MP extracts significantly increased (P < 0.05) the final weight, weight gain, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate while feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Plant extracts markedly improved (P < 0.05) the survival rate, proportion of males, and total testosterone compared to control and MT. Estrogen levels were lower in groups with plant extract than other groups. Fifteen days post-feeding, the Amh gene was expressed in the brain of O. niloticus fries with higher levels in MP, TT, and MT groups. Additionally, the expression of the Sox9 and Dmrt1 genes as a male related genes in fish fry gonads revealed significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels in groups fed on MP, TT, and MT compared to control after 30-day post-feeding, whereas; Foxl2 gene expression as a female related gene was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in fish fed on MP, TT, and MT compared to other groups after 30 days post feeding. Histologically, MT, MP, TT, and the mixture all exhibited solely male reproductive traits without noticeable abnormalities. This study concluded that each of the TT or MP extracts can induce sex reversal in tilapia while having no negative health impact compared to MT as the growth and survival rate in the treated groups with TT and MP were higher than control and group treated with MT.

Association Between Single-Dose and Longer Term Clinical Response to Stimulants in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objectives: Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (MPH) and amphetamines, represent the first-line pharmacological option for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated beneficial effects at a group level but could not identify characteristics consistently associated with varying individual response. Thus, more individualized approaches are needed. Experimental studies have suggested that the neurobiological response to a single dose is indicative of longer term response. It is unclear whether this also applies to clinical measures. Methods: We carried out a systematic review of RCTs testing the association between the clinical response to a single dose of stimulants and longer term improvement. Potentially suitable single-dose RCTs were identified from the MED-ADHD data set, the European ADHD Guidelines Group RCT Data set (https://med-adhd.org/), as updated on February 1, 2024. Quality assessment was carried out using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0 tool. Results: A total of 63 single-dose RCTs (94% testing MPH, 85% in children) were identified. Among these, only a secondary analysis of an RCT tested the association between acute and longer term clinical response. This showed that the clinical improvement after a single dose of MPH was significantly associated with symptom improvement after a 4-week MPH treatment in 46 children (89% males) with ADHD. The risk of bias was rated as moderate. A further RCT used near-infrared spectroscopy, thus did not meet the inclusion criteria, and reported an association between brain changes under a single-dose and longer term clinical response in 22 children (82% males) with ADHD. The remaining RCTs only reported single-dose effects on neuropsychological, neuroimaging, or neurophysiological measures. Conclusion: This systematic review highlighted an important gap in the current knowledge. Investigating how acute and long-term response may be related can foster our understanding of stimulant mechanism of action and help develop stratification approaches for more tailored treatment strategies. Future studies need to investigate potential age- and sex-related differences.

Examining heterogeneity in the affect-regulating function of suicidal ideation: Person-specific analyses in male inpatients with depression.

Men have an increased risk to die by suicide compared to women but are underrepresented in suicide research. To improve individual risk prediction for suicide-related thoughts and behaviors (STBs), risk factors are increasingly being studied at an individual level. The possible affect-regulatory function of suicidal ideation has hardly been investigated ideographically and has not yet been tested in a male sample. We investigated the bidirectional associations between suicidal ideation and negative and positive affect in a sample of n = 21 male inpatients with unipolar depression and a history of suicidal ideation both at the group level and at the individual level. Participants underwent an intensive ecological momentary assessment for 6 days with 10 data points per day. We found no evidence for an affect-regulatory function of suicidal ideation at the group level, neither for effects of affect on subsequent suicidal ideation (antecedent affect-regulatory hypothesis) nor for effects of suicidal ideation on subsequent affect (consequence affect-regulatory hypothesis). Person-specific analyses revealed substantial variability in strength and direction of the considered associations, especially for the associations representing the antecedent hypothesis. The demonstrated between-person heterogeneity points to the necessity to individualize the investigation of risk factors to enhance prediction and prevention of STBs.